Suicide Live – Pennsylvania State Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer

Pennsylvania State Treasurer, R. Budd Dwyer, was convicted of bribery in 1987. He was to face 55 years in prison and pay fines of over $300,000.

After hearing his fate, Dwyer called a press conference, that all assumed would be his announcement of resignation.

With the room filled with reporters and cameramen, Dwyer stepped to the front of the room and opened his briefcase. He removed a prepared speech and the room fell silent.

Dwyer began – “I’ve repeatedly said that I’m not going to resign as State Treasurer. After many hours of thought and meditation I’ve made a decision that should not be an example to anyone because it is unique to my situation. Last May I told you that after the trial, I would give you the story of the decade. To those of you who are shallow, the events of this morning will be that story. But to those of you with depth and concern the real story will be what I hope and pray results from this morning–in the coming months and years, the development of a true Justice System here in the United States. I am going to die in office in an effort to…see if the shame[-ful] facts, spread out in all their shame, will not burn through our civic shamelessness and set fire to American pride. Please tell my story on every radio and television station and in every newspaper and magazine in the U.S. Please leave immediately if you have a weak stomach or mind since I don’t want to cause physical or mental distress. Joanne, Rob, DeeDee – I love you! Thank you for making my life so happy. Good-bye to you all on the count of 3. Please make sure that the sacrifice of my life is not in vain.”

Budd then took three envelopes from his brief case and handed them to three staff members.

Then he pulled a final envelope from his case.

“Please, please leave the room if this will affect you,” he insisted one last time, before he stuck a gun in his mouth and blew his own brains out.

And the cameras kept on rolling.

The feed went out live and can be seen in the video below. But be warned! This is extremely graphic.